Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 13:00:55 +1200 From: Prudence Miller <sculpt@es.co.nz> Subject: laminating v. encapsulating You asked if laminating was an option for preserving original documents. As a trained conservator of works on paper I would say a very definite, "No!" The pressure sensitive adhesive is not stable, the plastic has plasticisers hat leach out over time and the possibility of reversing the operation is virtually nil. However, to encapsulate the document would protect and preserve it ideally. Take two sheets of clear polyester film "Mylar" (a Dupont product) or "Melinex" (an ICI product) larger all round by an inch than your document. On one attach 3M or Scotchpar encapsulating tape #415 right round the edge. Place your document on this sheet. Remove the top layer of the 3M encapsulating tape and carefully lower the second sheet on top of the first starting from one side and easing out the air as you go until it is attached to the tape all round. Trim the edges with a craft knife and steel edged ruler, and remove the sharp corners by rounding with knife or scissors. The document should not touch the 3M encapsulating tape at all and is held in place by the static charge and will not move. Supplier? Try: Light Impressions Archival Supplies, 439 Monroe Avenue, P. O. Box 940, Rochester, NY 14603-0940, U.S.A. They have a wonderful catalogue full of excellent products for storage of precious items. Hope this helps, Regards, Prue <sculpt@es.co.nz> -------------------------------------------------------------------- John D. Stone jdstone@erols.com http://www.erols.com/jdstone Visit the "Latter-day Saints' Resources on the Internet" -------------------------------------------------------------------- "Death is a graduation day and a time of assessment to see what we have become. -- Sterling W. Sill (Ensign, November 1976, page 46) --------------------------------------------------------------------